About Ontario's children aid societies

Class Action on Behalf of Crown Wards

Were you a Crown ward at any time from the period January 1, 1966 until March 30, 2017? If so, you may be a class member in the class action which has now been certified by the court. The lawsuit seeks money (damages) and other benefits for class members.

In Ontario, child protection services are provided by children’s aid societies governed by the Child and Family Services Act. The government provides funding and monitors children’s aid societies. It also develops policies to support child welfare programs, and licenses children’s group homes and foster homes.

Children’s aid societies are responsible for investigating reports or evidence of abuse or neglect of children under the age of 18, and when necessary, taking steps to protect children. They also look after children who come under their care or supervision, counsel and support families, and place children for adoption.

There are 48 children's aid societies across Ontario. A list of the children's aid societies is available online through the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies. Each society is an independent, non-profit organization run by a board of directors elected from the local community, or a First Nation operating under the Indian Act.

Protection Services for 16 and 17-Year Olds

From January 1, 2018, 16 and 17-year olds who are in need of protection will be eligible for the full range of child protection services in Ontario.

Child Protection Information Network

Ontario is implementing the Child Protection Information Network known as CPIN. This will modernize and replace the information systems used by children’s aid societies.

CPIN will help enhance child safety by creating a single information system. It.will allow children’s aid societies to securely share confidential child protection information with one another and to better manage case files and finances. They will also be able to track which protection services children have received anywhere in Ontario and their results.

All personal information in CPIN will only be shared among children’s aid societies, and only for providing child protection services.

The Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth’s investigative authority

The Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth Act provides the Provincial Advocate with the authority to make recommendations that are aimed at improving the child welfare system so that it promotes the best interests, protection and well-being of children and youth. The Provincial Advocate has the authority to receive and respond to complaints, conduct reviews, represent the views and preferences of children and youth, make reports and provide recommendations.

The Provincial Advocate also has the ability to investigate matters relating to services provided by children’s aid societies and residential licensees, where a children’s aid society is the placing agency. This authority strengthens accountability, oversight and transparency of Ontario’s child welfare system.

Review of Motherisk hair strand testing

In response to the Honourable Susan Lang’s final report, the government appointed an independent Commissioner in January 2016 to assist people who may have been affected by Motherisk laboratory’s testing methodology, regardless of the date of the test. Over the next two years, Commissioner Judith C. Beaman will lead a review and resource centre that will provide legal, counselling and other support to affected individuals involved in child protection matters.